Occupational Physiotherapy Gains More Momentum: Guardian Piece and DoH Pledge Help Promote Workplace Wellbeing

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With a government report backing the importance of workplace wellbeing, more businesses are taking note of the many ways in which working-age ill health can be avoided and a new atmosphere of physical and mental wellbeing can be cultivated. Here we look at the Guardian piece and how the world is taking note of the benefits of occupational physiotherapy.

Workstation_DeskThe Current Issues with Wellbeing

2011’s government-sponsored Frost/Black report spoke of the necessity of workplace wellbeing initiatives in order to decrease the chances of sick leave among working-age people. The report outlines the key areas of avoidable sickness that can be lessened with a range of techniques, including occupational support and physiotherapy. This report started the ball rolling for a lot of companies who were suffering the effects of extended periods of absence and needed to combat these difficulties with physical therapy.

The Department of Health has also implemented a voluntary pledge which can be taken on board by businesses. The pledge refers to promises made by businesses to promote a healthy working lifestyle, plus a better understanding of alcohol, food, health at work and physical activity. Although the pledge is voluntary, it is gaining momentum and many expect a more formal legislation to be discussed in future.

How Corporate Physiotherapy Helps

Health and wellbeing programs focus on both the mental and physical ailments that can affect busy staff in an ever-changing work environment. Corporate physiotherapy offers employees a chance to voice their physical concerns and avoid numerous injuries, such as repetitive strain injury and musculoskeletal diseases, and provides them a regular check up with a health professional, ensuring the early signs of physical stress are seen and dealt with.

Currently, sick leave costs the UK economy up to £100billion a year, a number which has made a huge dent not only in the productivity of businesses but has also caused unnecessary pressure on the NHS; £1.7billion of that total cost is incurred by the health service.

How to Promote Physical Wellbeing

The CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) has been singing the praises of occupational physiotherapy since 2011, when their Workout at Work day helped to promote the importance of keeping active. Musculoskeletal conditions can affect any person at any age, and it is therefore so important for both employees and managers to identify the key areas of an office which could lead to such ailments.

28th May, 2015